Dilena said stadium returns were part of the structural inequities in the competition.
He said he understood there were contractual arrangements for tenant clubs at the MCG that complicate the AFL fixture.
‘You would prefer to be making your own money than say we’re getting a handout.’
St Kilda chief executive Carl Dilena
Geelong have an arrangement in which they play two home games at the MCG – one of them against Hawthorn,whom they meet every Easter Monday – and nine at their traditional home in Geelong. This year,the Cats drew 87,000-plus to their home game against Carlton.
“From what we understand,the MCG[Melbourne Cricket Club] is open to it,” said Dilena of the club’s wish to move games to the venue.
Loading
He said the Saints had requested that “Spud’s Game” – the game commemorating the late club great Danny Frawley – be scheduled at the MCG,as it was this year against Collingwood. The Saints also had a one-off 150th anniversary game against Essendon. Both games drew close to 70,000 fans,which gives the home club a far-higher financial return than any Marvel Stadium game.
Dilena said the Saints had been in discussions with the AFL executive,headed by chief executive Andrew Dillon,about the MCG request.
“The opening gambit would be ... a tenant club at the MCG,which is four[games],” Dilena said.
This proposed exchange of more MCG games in return for less funding had been pitched.
Loading
Dilena said Richmond train station,next to the MCG,was a few stops closer than Marvel Stadium (at Southern Cross station),for the large body of their supporters coming predominantly from the southern suburbs.
“It’s certainly longer term. We have to look at how we engage our supporter base when it’s predominantly to the south,” he said.
“I think tenancy clubs at the MCG is four[games minimum].
“Long-term,if there could be a balance of games at the MCG,that’s attractive for us if you can do it.”
Dilena said club had discovered that the crowds that attended Spud’s Game in 2023 and this year had a higher mix of younger St Kilda fans attending those games at the MCG,and that their fixturing request long-term was about growth in their fan base.
Dilena said the club was yet to have Spud’s Game confirmed for next year at the MCG. They have played at the MCG this year only once thus far – an upset over Collingwood in round 3 in the Frawley game – and play Melbourne as the away team at the MCG on Sunday.
Carlton have put on record that they would like an extra MCG game,changing their split from 5-6 to 6-5 between the two stadia,while Essendon would also like at least one more game at the MCG. Those clubs have their larger drawing games at the higher capacity stadium.
Keep up to date with the best AFL coverage in the country.Sign up for the Real Footy newsletter.